Ballon d'Or 2027 Power Rankings: Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe Lead the Charge Against Harry Kane
The contest for the 2027 Ballon d'Or is already shaping up to be intense as several top players aim to unseat Harry Kane, who claimed the 2026 title. With no major international events this year, the spotlight will fall largely on club performances, especially in the Champions League.
No player has repeated as winner since 2021, so Kane faces fierce rivalry from stars eager to claim the trophy. Our ongoing Power Rankings track these frontrunners.
10. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 2026-27 stats: 4 goals, 6 assists. Won UEFA Super Cup.
Dembele, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2025, remains a top contender. His strong Champions League displays continue despite a current injury setback. PSG will rely heavily on him following Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's season-ending knee injury.
9. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- 2026-27 stats: 1 goal, 4 assists. Won Community Shield.
Though Arsenal triumphed in the Premier League and reached the Champions League final, Rice's 15th place in the 2026 rankings surprised many. This reflects Arsenal's team strength beyond individual brilliance. Rice’s standout performance against Bayern Munich shows he's poised for greater recognition.
8. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- 2026-27 stats: 16 goals.
Despite off-field issues threatening Manchester City's Premier League status due to financial breaches, Haaland's scoring remains prolific. Should City focus on the Champions League over domestic survival, Haaland’s chances for European glory and Ballon d'Or acclaim could rise.
7. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 2026-27 stats: 4 goals, 1 assist. Won UEFA Super Cup.
Vitinha continues to set the benchmark for central midfielders. His vital goals against Man City and Barcelona have powered PSG towards a potential third consecutive Champions League win. If his magical moments persist, a Ballon d'Or podium finish seems likely.
6. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
- 2026-27 stats: 14 goals, 8 assists. Won DFL-Supercup.
Olise's ninth place in last year's Ballon d'Or surprised many given his breakout season. Maintaining world-class performances early this campaign, he’s expected to challenge for a higher ranking soon, despite stiff competition within Bayern.
5. Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 2026-27 stats: 5 goals, 6 assists. Won UEFA Super Cup.
After missing out on the 2026 shortlist despite shining in the 2025 Champions League final, Doue has bounced back impressively. His performances against Man City and Barcelona signal he’s ready to fill the gap left by injured Kvaratskhelia in PSG’s knockout stages.
4. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- 2026-27 stats: 16 goals, 9 assists. Won DFL-Supercup.
Kane, the rightful 2026 winner, remains sharp at 33 and lethal in front of goal as Bayern defend their Bundesliga title. A brilliant all-around display against Arsenal in the Champions League highlights his bid to become the first back-to-back winner since Lionel Messi in 2021.
3. Raphinha (Barcelona)
- 2026-27 stats: 16 goals, 4 assists.
Raphinha’s absence from the 2026 shortlist was contentious. Channeling that frustration, he’s thrived as Barcelona’s central striker, thriving in La Liga and Champions League alike. It would be a surprise if he isn’t in the Ballon d'Or conversation next year.
2. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
- 2026-27 stats: 15 goals, 3 assists.
Mbappe, a long-anticipated Ballon d'Or winner, came closest in 2026 finishing second to Kane. After a slow start for Madrid, his brace in El Clasico hinted at better days ahead under Jose Mourinho as the club chases trophies again.
1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- 2026-27 stats: 12 goals, 7 assists.
Just shy of 20, Lamine Yamal has twice finished on the Ballon d'Or podium already. His dazzling footwork and fearless dribbling have made him the early favorite for the 2027 prize. Given his rapid rise, it seems only a matter of time before he wins multiple Golden Balls.
